Portable apparatus for visualizing and practicing wall finishes

ABSTRACT

A portable apparatus for visualizing or practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture includes a substrate having a primed first surface and a second surface having means for securing the substrate to a mounting surface, such as a wall. A method for visualizing and practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture includes the steps of (a) applying a paint color, finish, technique, or texture to a first surface of the substrate; (b) textually identifying onto the substrate the paint color, finish, technique, or texture applied thereto; (c) securing the substrate to a first portion of the mounting surface; (d) removing the substrate from the mounting surface; and (e) securing the substrate to a second portion of the mounting surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/827,645, filed on Jul. 12, 2007 and claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/830,214 filed Jul. 12, 2006,and entitled “Portable Apparatus for Visualizing and Practicing WallFinishes,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to visualizing and practicing finishesand, more particularly, to a portable apparatus for creating, practicingand visualizing paint colors, paint schemes, textures, other finishes,and application techniques that are intended for use on a wall or otherapplication surfaces.

2. Description of Related Art

Currently, only limited options are available when a consumer, painteror decorator wants to determine and/or practice an appropriate paintcolor, finish or painting technique. For example, the individual mayutilize sample paint chips from the paint manufacturer, which typicallyrange in size from 1″×2″ to 2″×2″ and offer limited visual reference (asshown in prior art FIG. 1). Paint chips in and of themselves do notallow for effective comparison of techniques or finishes, and nopractice palate is presently available to master paint techniques.

Alternatively, the individual may apply a proposed paint color,technique or finish on existing wall surfaces. For example, paintcompanies currently sell “trial size” paint bottles. However, nosuitable practice palette is provided for use with the sample paints.Accordingly, the individual must mark up or destroy their existing wallsurface to test the sample paint or texture. However, this requiresremediation of the surface prior to final painting, once a paint ortexture has finally been chosen. Additionally, an unsightly appearanceis created during the testing of the sample paint. Use of this existingpaint testing technique prevents portability of the suggestedapplication for use in comparison alongside a selection of fabrics,furniture or other décor, either remote from the wall or in a showroomexternal to the home. Also, if the individual does not like the newcolor or technique, or if they are not successful in mastering a newtechnique, they are now committed to re-painting the wall to clean upthe unsightly appearance.

A further option includes purchasing a cumbersome industry-sized gypsumboard (e.g., dry wall) for application of test colors, techniques andfinishes. Such a gypsum board is heavy, dirty, and has limitedportability. Additionally, the gypsum board is required to be primedprior to use as an application surface. Still another option involvesapplication to an entire wall or room and determination thereafter thatthe color, technique or finish is not the desired outcome. This requiresreapplication, as well as incurring additional cost, effort anddissatisfaction for the individual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome thedisadvantages associated with the prior art by providing a portable,pre-primed, paint-ready apparatus for creating, practicing andvisualizing paint colors, paint schemes, textures, other finishes, andapplication techniques that are intended for use on a wall or otherapplication surface.

The present invention includes a portable apparatus for visualizing orpracticing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture. The portableapparatus includes a substrate having a first and second surface. Thefirst surface includes a primer coating adapted to receive a paintcolor, finish, technique, or texture thereon and the second surfaceincludes a means for securing the substrate to a mounting surface. Themounting surface may be a wall, a ceiling, or a piece of furniture. Themeans for securing the portable apparatus to the wall includes, forexample, an adhesive; a hook sized to receive a nail or correspondinghook secured to the mounting surface; or a hole defined within thesecond surface and sized to receive a hook or nail secured to themounting surface. The adhesive may be putty, glue, or an adhesive strip.Desirably, the adhesive is a limited stick adhesive adapted for repeatedremoval and repositioning of the substrate on the mounting surface. Thesubstrate may be at least two feet in length and at least two feet inwidth. In one embodiment, the first and second surfaces aresubstantially planar, however, the first surface may be textured. Thesubstrate may include a carrying hole defined therein. Alternatively,the substrate may include a handle, wherein the handle is attached tothe substrate or is a scored punch-out within the substrate. Thesubstrate may include a perforation line, a fold line, or a scored linedefined across the substrate, wherein the substrate is adapted to befolded along the perforation line, the fold line, or the scored line toform an angled configuration of the substrate. The substrate may includeat least one perforation line extending substantially therethrough,wherein the substrate is adapted to be separated into at least twosmaller substrates upon a tearing along the at least one perforationline. The substrate may be divided into two or more sections connectedto each other by one or more hinges. The substrate may include an areafor textually identifying the paint color, finish, technique, or textureapplied on the substrate. The second surface may include a stand forpropping the substrate on a substantially horizontal surface.

The present invention also includes a method for visualizing andpracticing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture. The methodincludes the steps of (a) applying a paint color, finish, technique, ortexture to a first surface of a substrate, wherein the first surfaceincludes a primer coating; (b) textually identifying onto the substratethe paint color, finish, technique, or texture applied thereto; (c)securing the substrate to a first portion of a mounting surface; (d)removing the substrate from the mounting surface; and (e) securing thesubstrate to a second portion of the mounting surface. If the substrateincludes a perforation line, a fold line, or a scored line definedacross the substrate, then the substrate may be folded along theperforation line, the fold line, or the scored line to form an angledconfiguration of the substrate.

The present invention allows a consumer, decorator or painter to createsample colors (e.g., red, blue), finishes (e.g., satin, flat),techniques (e.g., sponging, rag rolling), and textures (e.g., spackled,Venetian plaster) on a pre-primed, ready-to-paint test surface that islightweight, portable and clean, yet large enough to provide adequatevisual comparison perspectives. The clean and lightweight nature of thepresent invention facilitates easy portability to allow the consumer totake it to fabric, furniture or other interior decorating stores forcolor comparison-shopping. The present invention allows for aprofessional painter or decorator to easily bring color, finish ortexture samples to a customer for review. Non-marking hanging pointsallow the product to be easily mounted on walls or ceilings for colorcomparison under varying light conditions and from different angles. Ascored/perforated hinge allows the consumer, decorator or painter towrap corners for corner light comparison or for comparing differentcolors, textures or finishes meeting at a corner. The product provides apre-primed, paint-ready surface for practicing color, finish or texturetechniques while eliminating the need to practice on existing walls.This provides to the consumer a greater level of confidence increativity and reducing the cost and anxiety associated with mistakes.The present invention will reduce the number of color, finish andtexture mistakes made by consumers, thereby reducing the total cost ofpainting Unlike gypsum board, which is considered a constructionmaterial and in many communities is not easily disposable with normalhousehold waste, the present invention is easily disposable and does nottypically require special waste-removal provisions. The product offersroom-to-room mobility for color comparison.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be understoodfrom the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken withthe accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prior art depiction of paint chips taped to a wall;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a portable apparatus for visualizingand/or practicing a paint color, finish, technique, or texture inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is rear plan view of the portable apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the portable apparatus shown in FIG. 2being scored;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the portable apparatus shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 depicts the portable apparatus with an exemplary paint finishsecured to a first wall;

FIG. 7 depicts the portable apparatus positioned behind a painting andabove a mantel; and

FIG. 8 depicts the portable apparatus secured to two walls and spanningthe intersecting corner thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directionalterms shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawingfigures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assumevarious alternative variations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatusillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, is simply an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related tothe embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless otherwise indicated. The present invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying figures.

With reference to FIGS. 2-8, the present invention is a portable,pre-primed, paint-ready apparatus for visualizing and/or practicing apaint color, finish, technique, or texture. In a desirable embodiment,the apparatus is a substrate 10 having a first surface 12 and a secondsurface 14. Desirably, the second surface 14 is substantially parallelwith and opposite to the first surface 12. Furthermore, the substrate 10is envisioned to be a rectilinear, substantially planar surface elementconstructed of any suitable lightweight, easily disposable material,such as fiber board. Other suitable, but not limiting materials may bepaper, canvas, plastic cardboard, and poster board. It is to beunderstood that these materials may impart different properties on thesubstrate 10. For example, the substrate may embody a flexible, rigid,or semi-rigid construction. The substrate 10 may be of variousdimensions. For example, the substrate 10 may be at least two feet inlength by at least two feet in width, however, any suitable dimensionmay be used, especially in light of various uses of the substrate 10.

Either one or both surfaces 12, 14 of the substrate 10 may be primercoated to allow a paint color, finish, technique, or texture to adherethereto. Exemplary paint may include, but is not limited to latex paint,water-based lacquer paint, or oil paints. Either one or both surfaces12, 14 of the substrate 10 may be pre-textured to simulate differentsurface textures. The substrate 10 may be selected to have thecharacteristics of the intended surface of application. For example, thesubstrate 10 may integrate an element of a wood grain if the appliedpaint is to be used on a wooden surface. The substrate may also embodysimilar absorptive properties associated with the surface to be painted.Other textured materials include, but is not limited to stucco,concrete, drywall, plaster, paper, glass, metal, and fabric.

The substrate 10 may include various means for securing the substrate 10to a mounting surface 16. It is to be understood that the term “mountingsurface” refers to the surface on which a paint color, finish,technique, or texture is being considered. Exemplary mounting surfacesinclude, but are not limited to a wall, a ceiling, or a piece offurniture. The securing means are intended to temporarily secure thesubstrate 10 to the mounting surface without necessarily damaging ormarking the existing surface. To this end, some suitable securing meansinclude an adhesive 18; a hook sized to receive a nail or correspondinghook secured to the mounting surface 16; and a hole (not shown) definedwithin the second surface 14 and sized to receive a hook or nail securedto the mounting surface 16. Examples of adhesives include putty, glue,an adhesive strip, and an adhesive backing. These types of adhesives aredesirably a limited stick adhesive adapted for repeated removal andrepositioning of the substrate 10 on the mounting surface 16. It is tobe understood that more than one securing means or type thereof may beused. Desirably, these securing means are situated on the back or secondsurface 14 of the substrate 10, however, they may be situated on thefirst surface 12. Furthermore, the securing means may be placed in anysuitable position on the substrate 10.

The substrate 10 may include a punched-out or cut-out handle or hole 20along an edge or any other suitable area of the substrate 10.Alternatively, one or more handles may extend from or may be attached tothe substrate 10. The substrate 10 may include multiple scores orperforations that allow the individual to separate, by tearing, forexample, the substrate 10 into multiple test sample areas or surfaces.It is to be understood that each of these test sample areas may havetheir own securing means associated therewith.

The substrate 10 may include one or more designated areas 22 forallowing an individual to visually indicate the paint color, finish,technique, or texture that has been applied to the substrate 10.Alternatively, the substrate 10 may be distributed with stickers thatprovide a similar visual indication function as would writing directlyon the substrate 10.

The substrate 10 may have a fold line, be scored, or have a perforationline 24 defined across the substrate 10 for purposes of arranging twopredefined portions of the substrate 10 in an angled relation (e.g.,perpendicular) to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the twopredefined portions of the substrate 10 may be hinged to each other.This is conducive to having the substrate 10 “wrap” around corners orcurved walls, or having the substrate 10 freely stand on its own. In analternative embodiment, the second surface 14 of the substrate 10 mayinclude a picture-frame-type triangle or stand for purposes of proppingup the substrate 10.

It is to be understood that the substrate 10 with the sample paint orfinish applied thereon may be displayed in connection with varioussurfaces and wall configurations, wall fixtures and flooring.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the substrate 10 may be forsingle or multi-use. In a multi-use application, the substrate 10 may bepainted over again with a different paint or may be coated with a newprimer coating by the individual.

A method for visualizing and practicing a paint color, finish,technique, or texture first includes the step of applying a paint color,finish, technique, or texture to a first surface 12 of the substrate 10.Then, the paint color, finish, technique, or texture applied to thesubstrate 10 may be textually identified onto the substrate 10.Thereafter, the substrate 10 may be secured to a first portion of amounting surface 16. It is to be understood that the substrate 10 may beremoved from and repositioned on the mounting surface 16 from a firstportion of the mounting surface 16 to a second portion of the mountingsurface 16. Optionally, the substrate 10 may be folded along theperforation line, the fold line, or the scored line 24 to form an angledconfiguration of the substrate 10. This would allow the substrate 10 towrap around a wall so that the paint color, finish, technique, ortexture can be visualized in the context of a corner or a curved sectionof the mounting surface 16.

The invention has been described with reference to the desirableembodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to othersupon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It isintended that the invention be construed as including all suchmodifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope ofthe appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. A portable apparatus for visualizing or practicing a paint color,finish, technique, or texture of an intended surface of application, theportable apparatus comprising: a substrate having a first and secondsurface, said first surface being adapted to receive a paint color,finish, technique, or texture thereon and accurately represent theabsorptive properties and texture of the intended surface of applicationwithout application of an additional primer coating layer; and means forsecuring the substrate to a mounting surface.
 2. The portable apparatusof claim 1, wherein the means for securing the substrate to the mountingsurface is situated on the second surface.
 3. The portable apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the means for securing the portable apparatus to thewall include one of: an adhesive; a hook sized to receive a nail orcorresponding hook secured to the mounting surface; and a hole definedwithin the second surface and sized to receive a hook or nail secured tothe mounting surface.
 4. The portable apparatus of claim 3, wherein theadhesive is putty, glue, or an adhesive strip.
 5. The portable apparatusof claim 3, wherein the adhesive is a limited stick adhesive adapted forrepeated removal and repositioning of the substrate on the mountingsurface.
 6. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate isat least two feet in length and at least two feet in width.
 7. Theportable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces aresubstantially planar.
 8. The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefirst surface is textured.
 9. The portable apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe substrate further includes a carrying hole defined therein.
 10. Theportable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes ahandle, wherein the handle is attached to the substrate or is a scoredpunch-out within the substrate.
 11. The portable apparatus of claim 1,wherein the substrate includes a perforation line, a fold line, or ascored line defined across the substrate, wherein the substrate isadapted to be folded along the perforation line, the fold line, or thescored line to form an angled configuration of the substrate.
 12. Theportable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes at leastone perforation line extending substantially therethrough, wherein thesubstrate is adapted to be separated into at least two smallersubstrates upon a tearing along the at least one perforation line. 13.The portable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is divided intotwo sections connected to each other by one or more hinges.
 14. Theportable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate further includes anarea for textually identifying the paint color, finish, technique, ortexture applied on the substrate.
 15. The portable apparatus of claim 1,wherein the second surface further includes a stand for propping thesubstrate on a substantially horizontal surface.
 16. The portableapparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting surface is a wall, a ceiling,or a piece of furniture.
 17. The portable apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe intended surface of application is pre-primed gypsum board.